"They uncovered incidents of sexual violence on juveniles," said Chief Tim Bombardier of the Barre City Police Department.

Investigators said Brotherhood Mafia is a "homegrown gang" led by 21-year-old James Manning.

Police report three boys and a girl, all under the age of 16, allege Manning coerced them into having sex so they could join his group.

Officers aren't sure "gang" is the right word.

"I think it was a pretext at some level to justify the sexual assaults," said Bombardier.

According to court documents, Manning gave his 14 and 15-year-old victims a checklist of mischievous acts to complete around Barre, including setting a fire at Central Vermont Catholic School and slashing tires at Eastman's Auto.

At least some of Manning's victims told officers they were threatened if they didn't perform sexual acts on him.

Police arrested Manning on six counts of sexual assault on a minor, but so far, prosecutors have only charged him with two.

The Washington County state's attorney wouldn't comment if more charges are coming, but said they are still investigating.

Manning told police Brotherhood Mafia is more of a "family" than it is a gang. They report he said it has ties to Burlington and Rutland.

Burlington police said they don't have specific knowledge of the group and Rutland police haven’t been reached for comment.